How Far Is Atlanta, Georgia From Savannah? Your Complete Distance and Travel Guide

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and thinking about a trip to the coast, it’s natural to ask: how far is Atlanta, Georgia from Savannah—and what’s the easiest way to get there?

Here’s a clear look at the distance, drive time, travel options, and what to expect when going from Atlanta to Savannah.

The Basic Distance: Atlanta to Savannah

In simple terms:

• Driving distance: About 250–260 miles (one way), depending on your starting point in Atlanta and your exact destination in Savannah.
• Typical drive time: Around 3.5 to 4.5 hours in normal traffic.

Most travelers go I‑75 South → I‑16 East, which is the main, direct highway route between the two cities.

Key Mileage From Common Atlanta Starting Points

*Drive times assume normal conditions and minimal stops.

The Main Route: How You Actually Drive From Atlanta to Savannah

Most drivers use this straightforward, interstate-heavy route:

1. Start on I‑75/85

   • From downtown, get on I‑75 South/I‑85 South.
   • If you’re near the airport, you’ll usually connect directly to I‑75 South.

2. Follow I‑75 South to Macon

   • Stay on I‑75 until you reach the Macon area (roughly 1.5–2 hours from Atlanta, depending on traffic).

3. Take I‑16 East toward Savannah

   • Near Macon, merge onto I‑16 East, clearly signed for Savannah.

4. Follow I‑16 East to Savannah

   • Stay on I‑16 East until it dead-ends into the Savannah area, then follow local streets to your destination (historic district, Tybee Island, etc.).

This is the fastest and most common way for Atlanta residents and visitors to reach Savannah by car.

How Long Does the Drive Really Take?

While maps may show a specific time, real-world Atlanta conditions can change things.

Factors That Affect Your Drive Time

• Rush hour leaving Atlanta: Morning and late afternoon congestion on I‑75/85 can add 30–60 minutes.
• Construction zones: Periodic work near Macon or along I‑16 can slow traffic.
• Weather: Heavy rain, especially in rural stretches, can reduce visibility and speed.
• Stops: Gas, food, or rest stops will add time—many drivers plan one quick stop halfway.

For planning purposes from Atlanta:

• Best-case: About 3.5 hours with light traffic and no long stops.
• More realistic:3.75–4.5 hours, especially when leaving during busy times.

⏱ Tip: If you’re leaving Atlanta on a Friday for a Savannah weekend getaway, aim for late morning or midday to avoid the heaviest rush-hour traffic.

Alternative Ways to Travel From Atlanta to Savannah

Even though most people drive, you do have other options.

1. Flying From Atlanta to Savannah

• Airports involved:

  • Departure: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Arrival: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

• Flight time: Usually around 1 hour in the air.

• Total door-to-door time from central Atlanta: Commonly 3–4 hours once you add:

  • Getting to ATL
  • Security screening
  • Possible waiting or delays
  • Travel from SAV into downtown Savannah (about 20–30 minutes by car)

Flying can make sense if:

• You’re already at or near the airport area in Atlanta
• You prefer not to drive long distances
• You’re connecting through Atlanta from another city and tagging on a Savannah hop

2. Bus Service (Intercity Coaches)

Several intercity bus services typically run between Atlanta and Savannah, often departing from:

• Atlanta bus stations or transit centers in or near downtown

Details like schedules and prices change frequently, but in general:

• Bus travel time: Often 4.5–6 hours, depending on route and stops.
• Pros: No need to drive, no parking worries, can relax or work during the trip.
• Cons: Less flexible schedules, limited control over departure/arrival times.

3. Train Travel

As of recent patterns:

• There is no direct, high-frequency passenger train connecting Atlanta to Savannah in a straightforward way like a city-to-city commuter or regional rail.
• Some travelers technically can reach Savannah by rail via long-distance routes or combinations, but it’s not a simple or quick option for most Atlanta residents or visitors.

For most people in Atlanta, car or bus remains the primary ground-travel choice.

What’s the Drive Like Between Atlanta and Savannah?

Understanding the experience on the road helps you plan your trip better.

Road Type and Scenery

• Atlanta → Macon (I‑75 South):

  • Busy interstate, multiple lanes.
  • Mix of urban, suburban, and smaller-city views.
  • More traffic, especially closer to Atlanta.

• Macon → Savannah (I‑16 East):

  • More rural and open, long tree-lined stretches.
  • Lighter traffic compared to I‑75.
  • Fewer exits in some segments, so plan fuel and rest stops reasonably.

Common Stopover Ideas From an Atlanta Perspective

If you’re driving from Atlanta, you may want a break roughly halfway or two-thirds of the way:

• Macon, GA:

  • Logical midway break point; about 1.5–2 hours from Atlanta.
  • Food, fuel, and restrooms are easy to find near the interstates.

• Dublin, GA or Metter, GA (along I‑16):

  • Smaller towns where many drivers stop briefly.
  • Gas stations and quick food options close to the highway.

Planning Your Trip From Atlanta to Savannah

When you’re in Atlanta thinking about the distance to Savannah, it’s helpful to plan around a few practical points.

When to Leave Atlanta

• Weekdays:
  • Try to leave after 9:30 a.m. or before 3:00 p.m. to miss the worst rush hours.
• Friday Afternoons:
  • Traffic can be heavy heading south; consider leaving earlier in the day.
• Holidays and long weekends:
  • Expect more congestion leaving Atlanta and more visitors in Savannah.

Parking in Savannah (From an Atlanta Viewpoint)

If you’re used to the parking situation in central Atlanta, Savannah’s historic district may feel:

• More compact, walkable, but with limited street parking in popular areas
• A mix of:
  • Street meters (time limits and enforcement hours vary)
  • Public garages and lots

Many Atlanta drivers prefer to:

• Park once near the historic district
• Walk or use local transportation for the day instead of moving the car often

Is a Day Trip From Atlanta to Savannah Realistic?

It’s possible, but you’ll be spending a lot of time on the road in a single day.

What a Same-Day Round Trip Looks Like

• Drive time total:
  • Roughly 7–9 hours behind the wheel (round trip).
• Time in Savannah:
  • If you leave Atlanta at 7:00 a.m. and return by 10:00 p.m., you might get 6–8 hours on the ground in Savannah.

Many people from Atlanta choose to:

• Turn Savannah into a weekend or overnight trip instead of a true same-day turn-around, so they can:
  • Walk the historic squares
  • Visit the riverfront
  • Possibly detour to Tybee Island

Quick Reference: Atlanta–Savannah Distance & Options

How far is Atlanta, Georgia from Savannah?

• By car:
  • Around 250–260 miles, typically 3.5–4.5 hours via I‑75 South and I‑16 East.
• By air:
  • About 1 hour flight time, plus airport and transit time on both ends.
• By bus:
  • Often 4.5–6 hours, depending on route and stops.

Best option from Atlanta for most people:

• Driving is generally the most flexible and time-efficient, especially for Atlanta residents or visitors who are comfortable with interstate travel and want to explore Savannah at their own pace.

This is the distance and travel picture you can expect when planning a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Savannah.